By REYNALD MAGALLON
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and members of the famed Gilas Pilipinas 2014 World Cup were introduced as local ambassadors of the 2023 FIBA World Cup during the One Year to Go Media Conference at the TV5 Media Center on Thursday, Aug. 25.
Like Gray, the gallant men of the 2014 team ˗ Larry Fonacier, LA Tenorio, Jeff Chan and Gary David – expressed their excitement over their roles in the staging of the biggest basketball tournament the country will be hosting since 1978.
Also there to drumbeat the much-awaited event where the biggest and finest players in the world will be competing were Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio, vice president Ricky Vargas, executive director Sonny Barrios and FIBA 2023 World Cup executive director David Crocker.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece, Luka Doncic of Slovenia, and LeBron James of Team USA are expected to strut their wares in the event that will be co-hosted by Japan and Indonesia.
The country shifts its preparation to a higher gear for the global showpiece with exactly a year left, starting with the unveiling of the Tissot Clock countdown at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, Aug. 27, simultaneously with the other two host countries Japan and Indonesia.
The beauty queen said she’s elated but at the same ready to represent the country on a different capacity – away from the usual bright lights of the pageantry.
“I think it’s really the pride that is overflowing from our kababayan when we see each other excel in sports and in basketball and it really reminds me of the support that I have when I also represented the country in the international stage,” said Gray.
“Now being able to not only represent the Philippines once again in this capacity but to also encourage our countrymen to express their support and love for their athletes as they go out there and really carry the Philippine flag high in the arena of sports. I really look forward to welcoming the world’s eyes and visitors here to the Philippines, I know we will have a celebration like no other,” she added.
Gilas made it to World Cup in Spain after breaking the so-called “Korean Curse” during the FBWC Asian Qualifiers.
“We’re just very happy to be part of this big event. Sobrang thankful kami sa opportunity. Before when we were playing back in 2014, I’m sure everyone was cheering for us and these guys, who are playing with our team, are cheering for us. Now, it’s our time to give time for us to share our experience,” said Tenorio who was then joined by the likes of Marc Pingris, June Mar Fajardo, Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Paul Lee and Andray Blatche in the national team. (Nikole Javier)
